The Cavaliers’ football team concluded the year 5-1. Rudy Coggins/Neuse News

LA GRANGE - Nearly a decade has passed since Frink Middle School claimed a conference championship in football.

The wait is over.

The Cavaliers (5-1 overall) earned a share of the 2019 Lenoir County Middle School Conference title with rival Rochelle. The teams split their two-game, regular-season series.

"After consulting with most of the athletic directors in the county, it is my opinion that Rochelle and Frink be recognized as conference champions in football for the 2019 season," said Nicholas Harvey II, assistant superintendent of Lenoir County Public Schools.

Chris McPhail, FMS athletic director, said more than 30 boys from seventh and eighth grade combined tried out for the team.

And he, along with assistant coach Octavius Howell, expected the Cavaliers to have a solid fall campaign.

"We're extremely proud of our athletes," McPhail said. "This year in football we were very excited from the start of the season and thought we would have a good team this year.

"I'm proud of the hard work and dedication these players and coaches have put into this year to make it a successful season."

Read original Rochelle story here.